Design and Build Hike and Bike Trails and Analyze Bicycle Use of Trails in the Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve » Design and Build Hike and Bike Trails and Analyze Bicycle Use of Trails in the Park » Document List

Welcome! This site contains information and public review documents associated with an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the construction of two stacked loop hike and bike trail systems in the Craig Branch and Garden Ground areas of New River Gorge National River. The EA analyzes the potential impacts of allowing bicycle use on the new trails to be constructed, as well as bicycle use on select existing trails and administrative roads within the New River Gorge National River. The purpose of the EA is to provide the National Park Service (NPS) with sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement or a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

Comments received during public scoping for the New River Gorge National River General Management Plan indicated a need for additional trails and loop trail systems that provide hiking and bicycling opportunities. To accommodate this and based on the results of this EA, the NPS has developed alternatives for two areas with stacked loop trails and to pursue the establishment of a Special Regulation allowing bicycle use on these and select trails and administrative roads within the Parks.

The park hosted an open house public meeting at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center on Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 3-7 pm. Approximately 35 people attended the public open house to provide comments on the EA and nearly 50 public comments were received during the entire comment period.

The NPS considered the comments received and prepared a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) to document the selection of Alternative B for implementation. For more information, please explore the menu on this website.

We thank the public for their continued interest in this project and the New River Gorge!


Contact Information

Jamie Fields
Outdoor Recreation Planner
New River Gorge National River
P.O. Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846

304.465.6527
jamie_fields@nps.gov